When I look at the behavior of the US ambassador to Germany I get the impression he sees himself as an occupying officer rather than an ambassador in a sovereign country. Grenell, who was appointed to his current job in May, has made quite a stir in Berlin. Some MPs even called for his ouster, over his stated sympathies for European right-wing political forces and a forceful approach in promoting the interests of American businesses amid a looming trade war with the EU. This remark was absent in Reuter’s English-language story about the interview at the time of writting of this article, but picked up by German language media.

In the interview, Schroeder called for closer ties between Germany and China, saying that would help both fight against the nationalistic policies of US President Donald Trump. He warned against demonizing Beijing and argued that Chinese investors were preferable for Europeans to the American “locust” – a term used by his party colleague Franz Muentefering to describe US financial firms.

Those countries that are affected by conflicts emanating from the United States will have to get closer. We can't become part of an American trade war with China. Grenell was quick to hit Schroeder back, as well as attack Reuters for spreading what he assumed was "Putin's message."